Local media has been reminded of its significant impact on the use of the Samoan language and their role in preserving the native tongue.
The Samoan Language Commission convened a meeting, yesterday, with mainstream media to discuss some of its concerns and how they can collaborate with the media to preserve the Samoan language.
Executive Director of the Commission Peseta Tialuga Seloti and members Rev. Eleasaro Faataataa and Rae Lelili’o, held a candid discussion with journalists from KVZK-TV, Samoa News and South Seas Broadcasting Inc. — which covered the goals of the commission, the role of the media, standardizing translations, and commonly used Samoan words and phrases that are in correct.
Peseta said, the Commission recognizes the freedom of the media and it does not intend to tell the media what to do. It can only advise and make requests, but counts on the fact that media practitioners are Samoans and share the Commission’s goal of preserving the Samoan language.
She said, the Commission plans to hold workshops with the media and among its first projects is a database of Samoan words that media can use for translation purposes. Media reps can also contribute to the data base, said Peseta.
Rev. Eleasaro underscored the influence of the media in keeping the Samoan language alive and ensuring that it’s not lost. “You are also educating young Samoans so they have an appreciation of our language,” he said.
All of the media reps present were thankful to the Commission for the opportunity to make input on their work and appreciated advice on spoken and written Samoan.
